Device for charging and discharging battery cells and method for charging and discharging battery cells using the same

Abstract

The present technology relates to an apparatus for charging / discharging a battery cell and a method for charging / discharging a battery cell using the apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus for charging / discharging a battery cell includes a pair of clamps for fixing each of two electrode leads of the battery cell, wherein each clamp includes: a first clamp block for pressing one surface of each of the electrode leads of the battery cell; a second clamp block for pressing another surface opposite to the one surface of each of the electrode leads; a first clamp block control unit connected to the first clamp block and moving the first clamp block toward the surface of the electrode lead; and a gap adjustment member disposed between the first clamp block and the second clamp block and controlling the gap between the first clamp block and the second clamp block.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0157356, filed on November 23, 2020, and the entire contents of this Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell and a method for charging and discharging a battery cell using the apparatus. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, with rising energy prices due to the depletion of fossil fuels and growing concerns about environmental pollution, the demand for environmentally friendly alternative energy sources has become an indispensable factor in future life. As such, various studies have been conducted on power generation technologies such as nuclear energy, solar energy, wind energy, and tidal energy, and power storage devices for more efficiently utilizing the energy generated have also attracted much attention.

[0004] In particular, with the development of technology and the demand for mobile devices, the demand for batteries as energy sources is rapidly increasing, and accordingly, much research has been conducted on batteries that can meet various demands.

[0005] Typically, in terms of battery shape, there is a high demand for prismatic secondary batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries that can be applied to products with a small thickness (such as mobile phones). In terms of materials, there is a high demand for lithium secondary batteries (such as lithium ion batteries and lithium ion polymer batteries) that have advantages such as high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0006] Typically, such a secondary battery is formed into a structure in which an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive and negative electrodes is housed in a battery case, and a positive electrode terminal tab and a negative electrode terminal tab are welded to the two electrode terminal tabs and sealed so as to be exposed to the outside of the battery case. The electrode terminal tab is electrically connected to an external device by contacting the external device, and the secondary battery supplies power to or receives power from the external device through the electrode terminal tab.

[0007] Meanwhile, secondary batteries are manufactured by housing an electrode assembly in a battery case, injecting an electrolyte, and then performing a battery activation step. The battery activation step involves installing the secondary battery in a device for charging and discharging the secondary battery and charging and discharging the secondary battery under the conditions necessary for activation. This device for charging and discharging the secondary battery is primarily used to charge or discharge the secondary battery during the battery activation step and to evaluate the performance of the secondary battery.

[0008] However, in order to properly charge or discharge a secondary battery using the apparatus for charging and discharging a secondary battery, the secondary battery should be properly mounted on the apparatus for charging and discharging a secondary battery. That is, the electrode lead of the secondary battery should be placed so as to contact the conductive portion of the apparatus for charging and discharging the secondary battery, so that the electrode lead and the conductive portion are electrically connected, and this electrical connection state should be maintained while charging and discharging are performed.

[0009] For this purpose, the device for charging and discharging the secondary battery is usually provided with a fixing jig for fixing the electrode lead. Figure 1 In the conventional fixing jig 10 shown in FIG, the electrode lead 1a is located between the first jig 11 and the second jig 12. In addition, the height of the first jig 11 is lowered, and the electrode lead 1a is squeezed and fixed by the first jig block control unit 13. However, as in Figure 2 As shown in Figure 1 , the thickness of the battery cell 1 changes due to the bulging phenomenon during the charging and discharging process. Specifically, during the charging and discharging process, the cell bulging phenomenon occurs in the battery cell 1 due to internal gas or lithium byproducts in the battery cell 1. At this time, the electrode lead 1a of the battery cell 1 is in a fixed state and may break due to the bending of the electrode lead 1a caused by the cell bulging phenomenon. The breakage of the electrode lead 1a may reduce the capacity of the battery cell 1 and cause the battery cell 1 to catch fire.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a method for preventing disconnection of electrode leads or safety accidents, etc., during the charging and discharging processes of a battery cell. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present invention solves at least some of the above problems. For example, one aspect of the present invention provides a device for charging and discharging a battery cell and a method for charging and discharging a battery cell using the device, which can prevent disconnection or safety accidents of the battery cell.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] The present invention provides a device for charging and discharging a battery cell. In one example, a device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes a pair of clamps that respectively fix one electrode lead of two electrode leads of the battery cell. Here, each of the clamps includes: a first clamp block that squeezes one surface of the electrode lead of the battery cell; a second clamp block that squeezes the other surface of the electrode lead opposite to the one surface; a first clamp block control unit that is connected to the first clamp block and moves the first clamp block toward the one surface of the electrode lead; and a spacing adjustment member that is arranged between the first clamp block and the second clamp block and controls the spacing between the first clamp block and the second clamp block.

[0015] In a specific example, an apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes: a sensor unit that measures at least one of a temperature, a current, and a voltage of the battery cell; and a data processing unit that receives information about at least one of the temperature, the current, and the voltage of the battery cell measured by the sensor unit and determines whether to operate an interval adjusting member.

[0016] For example, if at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell measured in the sensor unit becomes beyond a reference value range, the data processing unit may decide to operate the interval adjusting member.

[0017] In one example, the interval adjustment member is connected to a hydraulic system and increases the interval between the first clamp block and the second clamp block by fluid pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system.

[0018] In another example, the apparatus for charging and discharging battery cells according to the present invention further includes a height adjustment member disposed at the bottom of the second clamp block and controlling the level of the second clamp block or clamp. In a specific example, the spacing adjustment member and the height adjustment member are separately connected to a hydraulic system. In this case, the spacing adjustment member increases the spacing between the first and second clamp blocks using fluid pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system, and the height adjustment member controls the level of the second clamp block or clamp using fluid pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system.

[0019] In addition, the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention may further include a charging and discharging unit electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell, and the pair of clamps may be arranged in the same direction or may be arranged to face each other.

[0020] The present invention also provides a method for charging and discharging a battery cell using the aforementioned apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell. In one example, the method includes charging and discharging the battery cell while an electrode lead is secured between a first jig block and a second jig block. During charging and discharging of the battery cell, at least one of a temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell is measured.

[0021] In a specific example, the method further includes increasing the interval between the first jig block and the second jig block if at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell exceeds a reference value range during charging and discharging of the battery cell. Furthermore, during charging and discharging of the battery cell, measurement of at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell is performed continuously or repeatedly at regular intervals.

[0022] Beneficial effects

[0023] According to the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell and the method for charging and discharging a battery cell using the same of the present invention, by including a gap adjusting member for controlling the gap between the first clamp block and the second clamp block, it is possible to prevent disconnection of electrode leads and other safety accidents during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figures 1 to 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cell clamp of a conventional apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell.

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Since the inventive concept allows for various changes and multiple embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0029] In the present application, it should be understood that terms such as "including" or "having" are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and these terms do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Moreover, when a part such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is referred to as being "on" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly" "on" the other part, but also the case where another part is interposed therebetween. On the other hand, when a part such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is referred to as being "under" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly" "under" the other part, but also the case where another part is interposed therebetween. In addition, in the present application, "placed on..." may include the case where it is placed at the bottom as well as at the top.

[0030] The present invention provides an apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell and a method of charging and discharging a battery cell using the apparatus.

[0031] Common devices for charging and discharging battery cells charge and discharge the battery cells in a state where the battery cells are fixed in a fixture, and evaluate the physical properties of the battery cells when necessary. However, during the charging and discharging process, the thickness of the battery cells changes with the bulge phenomenon. The electrode leads fixed at the fixture are bent due to the thickness change of the battery cells, and in some serious cases, the electrode leads may be disconnected. Such disconnection of the electrode leads can reduce the capacity of the battery cells and cause the battery cells to catch fire. Thus, the present invention is characterized in that, by forming an interval adjusting member at the space between the first fixture block and the second fixture block that fix the electrode leads, when an abnormal sign occurs in the battery cell, the interval between the first fixture block and the second fixture block is increased. The control of this interval adjusting member can be performed by a person in a manual scheme or by a data processing unit in an automatic scheme.

[0032] Hereinafter, an apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell and a method of charging and discharging a battery cell using the same according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0033] In one example, an apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes a pair of clamps that respectively fix one of two electrode leads of the battery cell. Each clamp includes: a first clamp block that compresses one surface of the electrode lead of the battery cell; a second clamp block that compresses the other surface of the electrode lead opposite to the first surface; a first clamp block control unit that is connected to the first clamp block and moves the first clamp block toward the one surface of the electrode lead; and a gap adjustment member that is disposed between the first clamp block and the second clamp block and controls the gap between the first clamp block and the second clamp block.

[0034] In a state where the electrode lead is located between the first fixture block and the second fixture block, the electrode lead is fixed. The scheme for fixing the electrode lead can be changed in various ways. For example, in a state where the second fixture block at the lower side is fixed, the electrode lead can be squeezed as the first fixture block at the upper side is moved downward. In some cases, the second fixture block can be moved, or both the first fixture block and the second fixture block can be moved to squeeze the electrode lead.

[0035] The battery cell charging and discharging jig according to the present invention may include a housing structure, wherein the first and second jig blocks are located within the housing structure. The first jig block can be moved by a first jig block control unit. The first jig block control unit can contact the first jig block through a hole formed in the upper member of the housing structure and can compress the first jig block by spiral rotation.

[0036] In one example, the clamp includes a gap adjustment member, specifically, the gap adjustment member is located between the first clamp block and the second clamp block and is used to stop the charging and discharging process of the battery cell by increasing the gap between the first clamp block and the second clamp block during the charging and discharging process.

[0037] In addition, in another example, the device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes a sensor unit and a data processing unit. The sensor unit measures at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell, and may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a current sensor, and a voltage sensor. The temperature sensor may be connected to the platform area of ​​the battery cell, and the current sensor and the voltage sensor may be connected to the electrode lead. In addition, the data processing unit receives information about at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell measured in the sensor unit, and decides whether to operate the interval adjustment member. For example, the data processing unit pre-inputs data on reference values ​​of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell. In addition, if at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell measured in the sensor unit becomes beyond the reference value range, the data processing unit may decide to operate the interval adjustment member. Here, the reference value refers to the normal range of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell.

[0038] In a specific example, if an abnormal state of a battery cell is sensed during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, the sensor unit transmits an abnormality signal to the data processing unit, and the data processing unit determines to operate the interval adjustment member to increase the interval between the first and second clamp blocks. In this way, the interval adjustment member is used to stop the charging and discharging process by increasing the interval between the first and second clamp blocks during the performance evaluation of the battery cell.

[0039] That is, when an abnormal signal is sensed in at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of a battery cell during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention can prevent disconnection of an electrode lead or other safety accidents by stopping the charging and discharging process.

[0040] In one example, the interval adjustment member may have a tube shape into which air flows and may be connected to a hydraulic system. That is, the interval adjustment member may have a tube structure that is connected to the hydraulic system and changes volume by the fluid pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system. In a specific example, the interval between the first clamp block and the second clamp block is controlled by the fluid pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system. For example, the hydraulic system may be an air compressor. If the air pressure applied to the interval adjustment member by the air compressor increases, the interval between the first clamp block and the second clamp block increases. In this way, the interval adjustment member is used to stop the charging and discharging process by increasing the interval between the first clamp block and the second clamp block during the performance evaluation of the battery cell.

[0041] In another example, the fixture further includes a height adjustment member that is arranged at the bottom of the second fixture block and controls the level of the second fixture block or the fixture. In a specific example, if the thickness of the battery cell increases during the charging and discharging process, the electrode lead of the battery cell bends. In the present invention, by raising the height of the second fixture block or the fixture via the height adjustment member, the level of the electrode lead fixed at a position between the first fixture block and the second fixture block is raised. Even when the thickness of the battery cell increases, by raising the level of the electrode lead, the bending of the electrode lead can be prevented.

[0042] The device for charging and discharging battery cells according to the present invention further includes a thickness measurement sensor for measuring the thickness of the battery cells. The thickness measurement sensor is used to sense changes in the thickness of the battery cells during charging and discharging. Specifically, the thickness measurement sensor includes at least one of an optical sensor and a level sensing rod. For example, an infrared sensor can be used as the optical sensor. For example, the thickness of the battery cells can be sensed by forming a hinged fastening rod on one side of the device and evaluating whether the rod is bent and the degree of bending. In addition, a data processing unit can receive information about the battery cell thickness measured by the thickness measurement sensor and calculate the height of the electrode lead. Furthermore, the height of the height adjustment member can be controlled based on the electrode lead height calculated by the data processing unit. In other words, the thickness of the battery cell is measured by the thickness measurement sensor, and the measured thickness value is transmitted to the data processing unit. Furthermore, the height level of the electrode lead can be deduced from the transmitted battery cell thickness value. For example, if the electrode lead is located in the center of the battery cell, the point corresponding to 1 / 2 of the battery cell thickness is the level at which the electrode lead should be located. The height adjustment member can be controlled to correspond to the derived height level of the electrode lead. This process can be performed through an automated process, even without separate manual operation by a human. During the charging and discharging process, the thickness of the battery cell tends to increase continuously or gradually. The height adjustment member can be controlled according to the change in thickness of the battery cell.

[0043] In another example, the interval adjusting member and the height adjusting member are separately connected to the hydraulic system. In addition, the interval adjusting member increases the interval between the first clamp block and the second clamp block by the fluid pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system, and the height adjusting member controls the level of the second clamp block or the clamp by the fluid pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system. In a specific example, during the charging and discharging process, the thickness of the battery cell increases due to the bulging phenomenon, and as the thickness of the battery cell increases, the level of the second clamp block or the clamp is increased by the height adjusting member. At this time, if an abnormal state of the battery cell is sensed during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, the sensor unit transmits the abnormal signal to the data processing unit, and the data processing unit decides to operate the hydraulic system, which is connected to the interval adjusting member and the height adjusting member.

[0044] For example, if the sensor unit detects an abnormal condition in a battery cell during its charge and discharge process, the hydraulic system transmits air pressure to the gap adjustment member and expels air already supplied to the height adjustment member. At this point, the air pressure is transmitted to the gap adjustment member, and the air in the height adjustment member is expended, thereby lowering the level of the second clamp block. This allows the gap between the first and second clamp blocks to increase. In this way, the gap adjustment member is used to stop the charge and discharge process during battery cell performance evaluation by increasing the gap between the first and second clamp blocks.

[0045] In one example, the device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention further includes a charging and discharging unit that is electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell. The charging and discharging unit can be directly connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell. The charging and discharging unit can supply power for charging to the battery cell housed in the charging and discharging device or receive discharge power from the battery cell. Here, supplying power to the battery cell is not limited to supplying power sufficient to fully charge the battery cell. Supplying power to the battery cell can also mean supplying power that is sufficient to measure the voltage of the two electrode leads to evaluate the performance of the secondary battery. This can also be applied to the meaning of receiving discharge power from the battery cell, so its repeated description is omitted here.

[0046] Furthermore, the charging and discharging unit may be connected to each of the pair of jigs constituting the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention. For example, the charging and discharging unit may be electrically connected to at least one of the first jig block and the second jig block of each jig. In this case, the jig block connected to the charging and discharging unit may be a conductive metal block.

[0047] In one example, the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes a pair of clamps, and the clamps can be arranged in the same direction or can be arranged to face each other. The arrangement of the clamps can be changed according to the type of battery cell. For example, in the case where the target battery cell has a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead at both ends, the clamps are arranged to face each other.

[0048] In one example, the battery cell is a pouch-type unit cell, and an electrode assembly having a positive electrode / separator / negative electrode structure is embedded in the outer material of the laminate sheet while being connected to an electrode lead formed on the outside of the outer material. The electrode lead may be led to the outside of the sheet and may extend in the same direction or in opposite directions to each other.

[0049] The present invention also provides a method for charging and discharging a battery cell using the aforementioned apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell. In one example, the method includes charging and discharging the battery cell while an electrode lead is secured between a first jig block and a second jig block. During the charging and discharging of the battery cell, at least one of a temperature, a current, and a voltage of the battery cell is measured.

[0050] In the present invention, the operation of charging and discharging a battery cell is performed simultaneously with the process of measuring at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell. Specifically, at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell is measured during the charging and discharging of the battery cell. However, in the present invention, it is also possible to alternately repeat the operation of charging and discharging a battery cell and the process of measuring at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell. The apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell has been described above, and redundant explanation will be omitted here.

[0051] In one example, the method for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes the following process: during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, when at least one of the temperature, current and voltage of the battery cell exceeds a reference value range, the interval between the first clamp block and the second clamp block is increased. In a specific example, the process of increasing the interval between the first clamp block and the second clamp block is performed by an interval adjustment member. For example, if during the charging and discharging of the battery cell, at least one of the temperature, current and voltage of the battery cell exceeds a reference value range, the interval adjustment member located between the first clamp block and the second clamp block of the clamp decides to operate itself and increase the interval between the first clamp block and the second clamp block, thereby stopping the charging and discharging process. In addition, the interval adjustment member is connected to a hydraulic system, and the interval adjustment member can be controlled by air pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system.

[0052] In another example, in the process of increasing the interval between the first clamp block and the second clamp block, the interval adjusting member and the height adjusting member respectively connected to the hydraulic system may be interlocked. A detailed description on this point has been described above, and redundant explanation will be omitted here.

[0053] In one example, during the charging and discharging of a battery cell, measurement of at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell is performed continuously or repeatedly at regular intervals. A change in the thickness of the battery cell may be caused by a swelling phenomenon during the charging and discharging process, and a disconnection or abnormality may occur in the electrode lead. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent disconnection of the electrode lead or other safety incidents by sensing an abnormal signal in at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell and stopping the charging and discharging process.

[0054] Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0055] Hereinafter, various types of apparatuses for charging and discharging battery cells and methods of charging and discharging battery cells using the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] (First embodiment)

[0057] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing an apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 , the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes a pair of clamps 100 that fix two electrode leads 1 a of a battery cell 1 . Figure 3 One jig (first jig) is illustrated, and another jig (second jig) may be arranged in the same direction as the first jig or may be arranged to face the first jig.

[0058] The clamp 100 includes: a first clamp block 110, which squeezes one surface of the electrode lead 1a of the battery cell 1; a second clamp block 120, which squeezes the other surface of the electrode lead 1a opposite to the one surface; a first clamp block control unit 130, which is connected to the first clamp block 110 and moves the first clamp block 110 toward the one surface of the electrode lead 1a; and a spacing adjustment member 140, which is arranged between the first clamp block 110 and the second clamp block 120 and controls the spacing between the first clamp block 110 and the second clamp block 120.

[0059] The jig 100 for charging and discharging battery cells has a housing structure, and a first jig block 110 and a second jig block 120 are located within the housing structure. The first jig block 110 can be moved by a first jig block control unit 130. The first jig block control unit 130 can contact the first jig block 110 through a hole formed in the housing structure and can squeeze the first jig block 110 by spiral rotation.

[0060] In addition, the interval adjustment member 140 is located between the first clamp block 110 and the second clamp block 120. Figure 3 Although not shown, the interval adjustment member 140 is connected to a hydraulic system (not shown). The interval adjustment member 140 is controlled by the fluid pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system. The interval adjustment member 140 is used to stop the charging and discharging process by increasing the interval between the first clamp block 110 and the second clamp block 120 during the performance evaluation of the battery cell 1.

[0061] (Second embodiment)

[0062] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 , the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes a pair of clamps 200 that fix two electrode leads 1 a of the battery cell 1 . Figure 4 One jig (first jig) is illustrated, and another jig (second jig) may be arranged in the same direction as the first jig or may be arranged to face the first jig.

[0063] The clamp 200 includes: a first clamp block 210, which squeezes one surface of the electrode lead 1a of the battery cell 1; a second clamp block 220, which squeezes the other surface of the electrode lead 1a opposite to the one surface; a first clamp block control unit 230, which is connected to the first clamp block 210 and moves the first clamp block 210 toward the one surface of the electrode lead 1a; and a spacing adjustment member 240, which is arranged between the first clamp block 210 and the second clamp block 220 and controls the spacing between the first clamp block 210 and the second clamp block 220.

[0064] In addition, the device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention further includes a sensor unit 250 and a data processing unit 260. Specifically, the sensor unit 250 measures at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell 1, and the data processing unit 260 receives information about at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell 1 measured by the sensor unit 250, and determines whether to operate the interval adjusting member 240. The data processing unit 260 inputs data on reference values ​​of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell 1 in advance. In addition, if at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell 1 measured in the sensor unit 250 becomes beyond the reference value range, the data processing unit 260 may decide to operate the interval adjusting member 240.

[0065] That is, if an abnormal state of a battery cell is sensed during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell 1, the sensor unit 250 transmits an abnormality signal to the data processing unit 260, and the data processing unit 260 decides to operate the interval adjustment member 240 to increase the interval between the first clamp block 210 and the second clamp block 220. In this way, the interval adjustment member 240 is used to stop the charging and discharging process by increasing the interval between the first clamp block 210 and the second clamp block 220 during the performance evaluation of the battery cell. In addition, the interval adjustment member 240 is connected to the hydraulic system 261. The interval adjustment member 240 is controlled by the fluid pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system 261.

[0066] (Third embodiment)

[0067] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes a pair of clamps 300 that fix two electrode leads 1 a of the battery cell 1 . Figure 5 and Figure 6 One jig (first jig) is illustrated, and another jig (second jig) may be arranged in the same direction as the first jig or may be arranged to face the first jig.

[0068] The clamp 300 includes: a first clamp block 310, which squeezes one surface of the electrode lead 1a of the battery cell 1; a second clamp block 320, which squeezes the other surface of the electrode lead 1a opposite to the one surface; a first clamp block control unit 330, which is connected to the first clamp block 310 and moves the first clamp block 310 toward the one surface of the electrode lead 1a; and a spacing adjustment member 340, which is arranged between the first clamp block 310 and the second clamp block 320 and controls the spacing between the first clamp block 310 and the second clamp block 320.

[0069] In addition, the clamp 300 further includes a height adjustment member 370, which is arranged at the bottom of the second clamp block 320 and controls the level of the second clamp block 320 or the clamp 300. Specifically, if the thickness of the battery cell 1 increases during the charging and discharging process, the electrode lead 1a of the battery cell 1 bends. In this way, in the present invention, by raising the height of the second clamp block 320 or the clamp 300 via the height adjustment member 370, the level of the electrode lead 1a fixed at a position between the first clamp block 310 and the second clamp block 320 is raised. Even when the thickness of the battery cell 1 increases, by raising the level of the electrode lead 1a, the bending of the electrode lead 1a can be prevented.

[0070] A thickness sensing member (not shown) for sensing the thickness of the battery cell 1 is located at the front end of the first fixture block 310. During the charging and discharging process, the thickness sensing member repeatedly or in real time senses the thickness of the battery cell 1. If the thickness of the battery cell 1 increases, the thickness sensing member senses the increase and raises the level of the second fixture block 320 or the fixture 300 through the height adjustment member 370. By repeating this process, the fixture 300 of the present invention is able to specify the appropriate level of the electrode lead 1a according to the thickness of the battery cell 1. In addition, the height adjustment member 370 is connected to the hydraulic system 361. The height adjustment member 370 is controlled by the fluid pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system 361.

[0071] In addition, the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention further includes a sensor unit 350 and a data processing unit 360. Specifically, the sensor unit 350 measures at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell 1, and the data processing unit 360 receives information about at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell 1 measured by the sensor unit 350 and determines whether to operate the interval adjusting member 340.

[0072] If an abnormal state of the battery cell 1 is sensed during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell 1, the sensor unit 350 transmits an abnormality signal to the data processing unit 360, and the data processing unit 360 decides to operate the interval adjustment member 340 to increase the interval between the first clamp block 310 and the second clamp block 320. The interval adjustment member 340 is connected to the hydraulic system 361 and is controlled by air pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system 361. At this time, the operation of the interval adjustment member 340 is linked to the operation of the height adjustment member 370.

[0073] Specifically, during the charging and discharging process, the thickness of the battery cell 1 increases due to a swelling phenomenon. As the thickness of the battery cell 1 increases, the level of the second jig block 320 or jig 300 is increased by the height adjustment member 370. Furthermore, when an abnormal state of the battery cell 1 is sensed during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell 1, the sensor unit 350 transmits an abnormality signal to the data processing unit 360, which then determines to operate the hydraulic system 361, which is connected to the interval adjustment member 340 and the height adjustment member 370. Specifically, when the sensor unit 350 senses an abnormal state of the battery cell 1 during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell 1, the hydraulic system 361 transmits air pressure to the interval adjustment member and exhausts the air that has been supplied to the height adjustment member 370. At this time, the air pressure is transmitted to the interval adjustment member 340, and the air in the height adjustment member 370 is exhausted, thereby lowering the level of the second jig block 320. Thus, the interval between the first jig block 310 and the second jig block 320 can be increased.

[0074] Therefore, the interval adjusting member 340 serves to stop the charging and discharging process by increasing the interval between the first jig block 310 and the second jig block 320 during the performance evaluation of the battery cell 1 .

[0075] Although the preferred examples of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0076] Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims.

[0077] Description of Reference Numerals

[0078] 1: Battery cell

[0079] 1a: Electrode lead

[0080] 10, 100, 200, 300: fixture

[0081] 11, 110, 210, 310: First fixture block

[0082] 12, 120, 220, 320: Second fixture block

[0083] 13, 130, 230, 330: First fixture block control unit

[0084] 140, 240, 340: interval adjustment components

[0085] 250, 350: sensor unit

[0086] 260, 360: Data processing unit

[0087] 261, 361: Hydraulic system

[0088] 370: Height adjustment member

Claims

1. A device for charging and discharging a battery cell, the device for charging and discharging a battery cell comprising: a pair of clamps, each clamping one of the two electrode leads of the battery cell; Wherein, each of the clamps comprises: a first jig block that presses one surface of an electrode lead of the battery cell; a second jig block that compresses another surface of the electrode lead opposite to the one surface; a first jig block control unit that is connected to the first jig block and moves the first jig block toward the one surface of the electrode lead; and an interval adjusting member that is disposed between the first jig block and the second jig block and controls an interval between the first jig block and the second jig block, Wherein, the device further comprises: a sensor unit that measures at least one of a temperature, a current, and a voltage of the battery cell; and A data processing unit receives information on at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell measured by the sensor unit and determines whether to operate the interval adjusting member.

2. The device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The data processing unit decides to operate the interval adjusting member if at least one of the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell measured in the sensor unit becomes beyond a reference value range.

3. The device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to claim 1, wherein The interval adjusting member is connected to a hydraulic system, and increases the interval between the first clamp block and the second clamp block by fluid pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system.

4. The device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to claim 3, further comprising: A height adjustment member is disposed at a bottom of the second jig block and controls a level of the second jig block or the jig.

5. The device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to claim 4, wherein: The interval adjusting member and the height adjusting member are connected to the hydraulic system respectively, wherein the interval adjusting member increases the interval between the first clamp block and the second clamp block by fluid pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system, and The height adjustment member controls the level of the second clamp block or the clamp by fluid pressure transmitted from the hydraulic system. 6 . The apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to claim 1 , further comprising a charging and discharging unit electrically connected to the electrode lead of the battery cell.

7. The device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to claim 1, wherein The pair of clamps are arranged in the same direction or are arranged to face each other.

8. A method for charging and discharging a battery cell using the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to claim 1, in, During charge and discharge of the battery cell, at least one of a temperature, a current, and a voltage of the battery cell is measured to determine whether to operate the interval adjusting member.

9. The method for charging and discharging a battery cell according to claim 8, further comprising: In a state in which the electrode leads have been fixed between the first jig block and the second jig block, the battery cells are charged and discharged.

10. The method for charging and discharging a battery cell according to claim 9, further comprising: During charge and discharge of the battery cell, if at least one of temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell becomes beyond a reference value range, an interval between the first jig block and the second jig block is increased.

11. The method for charging and discharging a battery cell according to claim 9, wherein: During charge and discharge of the battery cell, measurement of at least one of temperature, current, and voltage of the battery cell is performed continuously or repeatedly at regular intervals.

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